Police Find Bakkie Abandoned in Alexandra, Believed to Be Used in Marius Van Der Merwe’s Murder
- The South African Police Service has provided an update about the investigations into Marius van der Merwe's death
- General Fannie Masemola confirmed that police had found a vehicle abandoned in Alexandra township
- Van der Merwe, who was also known as Witness D, was shot dead outside his home in Brakpan on Friday, 5 December 2025
Source: Twitter
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – The South African Police Service has found the bakkie they believe was used in the murder of Marius van der Merwe.
Van der Merwe was shot dead outside his home in Brakpan on Friday, 5 December 2025. The security industry member recently testified before the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, anonymously, where his testimony focused on suspended Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) deputy chief Julius Mkhwanazi.
Police find bakkie abandoned in Alexandra
On Monday, 08 December 2025, General Fannie Masemola provided an update about police investigations into the murder. The National Police Commissioner confirmed that police found a vehicle which they believed was used in the murder of van der Merwe, who was also known as Witness D.
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He stated that the white Chevrolet bakkie was abandoned in Alexandra township and fit the description of the vehicle police were looking for.
General Masemola said that according to preliminary investigations, the vehicle was abandoned just hours after the murder.
“Our crime scene experts, as well as our vehicle crime investigation unit, were at the scene in Alexandra where the car was found. The car was found on a gravel dead-end road, amongst shacks. We have taken the car to our forensic laboratory for further analysis,” General Masemola confirmed.
Source: Twitter
How did South Africans react to the news?
Social media users weighed in on the latest development, sharing mixed reactions to the news.
Mxeli Tiisetso said:
“Someone knows who was driving that bakkie, and later on, they didn't have it anymore. People just need to come forth with information.”
Judy Wilson suggested:
“You're already saying too much in this report. Work in silence, and your success will be loud.”
Samuel Ngirazi added:
“Once arrested, they must tell the police who sent them and how much they were paid.”
Lizette van Zyl said:
“Well done. May all involved be brought to book.”
Pikes Lizzo added:
“Keep up the good work, SAPS.”
Makhetha Wa Mokadimotso Solle noted:
“It’s a similar bakkie that was suspicious when the Free State police officers died. What was the conclusion there? Oh accident. Now a witness was gunned down, and a bakkie came into the picture again, this time abandoned. Let's hope this will not be the end of the investigation.”
Lethabo Rathaba suggested:
“Assign the case to the PKTT.”
Other stories about van der Merwe's murder
- President Cyril Ramaphosa promised more security for witnesses and whistleblowers following van der Merwe's murder.
- Mbuyiseni Ndlozi reacted strongly to the killing of van der Merwe, who was gunned down outside his him on 5 December 2025.
- Commissioner Julius Mkhwanazi distanced himself from the murder of van der Merwe, claiming that he did not know him personally.
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Source: Briefly News
